Set in the mid-19th century, Bleak House delves into themes of social justice, the inefficiencies of the legal system, and the personal struggles of its characters. The story primarily revolves around various individuals entangled in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce v. Jarndyce, examining how their lives, relationships, and choices are deeply influenced by the legal system. At the center of the tale stands Esther Summerson, who, with her uncertain origins, finds herself drawn into the heart of the unfolding drama.
The novel opens on a gloomy November day in London, vividly portraying the bleak atmosphere of the Chancery Court, where the Jarndyce v. Jarndyce case grinds on. Dickens introduces readers to various figures in the court, capturing their despair and the relentless nature of their legal entanglements. Esther observes the weary attendees, including a mad old woman who awaits a judgment that never comes, underscoring the hopelessness bred by their legal predicament. This initial deion evokes a sense of foreboding around the Chancery Court and hints at Dickens’s critique of the legal system. Readers are thus invited into a multifaceted exploration of justice, morality, and human experience.

PREFACE
CHAPTER I. In Chancery
CHAPTER II. In Fashion
CHAPTER III. A Progress
CHAPTER IV. Telescopic Philanthropy
CHAPTER V. A Morning Adventure
CHAPTER VI. Quite at Home
CHAPTER VII. The Ghost’s Walk
CHAPTER VIII. Covering a Multitude of Sins
CHAPTER IX. Signs and Tokens
CHAPTER X. The Law-Writer
CHAPTER XI. Our Dear Brother
CHAPTER XII. On the Watch
CHAPTER XIII. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER XIV. Deportment
CHAPTER XV. Bell Yard
CHAPTER XVI. Tom-all-Alone’s
CHAPTER XVII. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER XVIII. Lady Dedlock
CHAPTER XIX. Moving On
CHAPTER XX. A New Lodger
CHAPTER XXI. The Smallweed Family
CHAPTER XXII. Mr. Bucket
CHAPTER XXIII. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER XXIV. An Appeal Case
CHAPTER XXV. Mrs. Snagsby Sees It All
CHAPTER XXVI. Sharpshooters
CHAPTER XXVII. More Old Soldiers Than One
CHAPTER XXVIII. The Ironmaster
CHAPTER XXIX. The Young Man
CHAPTER XXX. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER XXXI. Nurse and Patient
CHAPTER XXXII. The Appointed Time
CHAPTER XXXIII. Interlopers
CHAPTER XXXIV. A Turn of the Screw
CHAPTER XXXV. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER XXXVI. Chesney Wold
CHAPTER XXXVII. Jarndyce and Jarndyce
CHAPTER XXXVIII. A Struggle
CHAPTER XXXIX. Attorney and Client
CHAPTER XL. National and Domestic
CHAPTER XLI. In Mr. Tulkinghorn’s Room
CHAPTER XLII. In Mr. Tulkinghorn’s Chambers
CHAPTER XLIII. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER XLIV. The Letter and the Answer
CHAPTER XLV. In Trust
CHAPTER XLVI. Stop Him!
CHAPTER XLVII. Jo’s Will
CHAPTER XLVIII. Closing In
CHAPTER XLIX. Dutiful Friendship
CHAPTER L. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER LI. Enlightened
CHAPTER LII. Obstinacy
CHAPTER LIII. The Track
CHAPTER LIV. Springing a Mine
CHAPTER LV. Flight
CHAPTER LVI. Pursuit
CHAPTER LVII. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER LVIII. A Wintry Day and Night
CHAPTER LIX. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER LX. Perspective
CHAPTER LXI. A Discovery
CHAPTER LXII. Another Discovery
CHAPTER LXIII. Steel and Iron
CHAPTER LXIV. Esther’s Narrative
CHAPTER LXV. Beginning the World
CHAPTER LXVI. Down in Lincolnshire
CHAPTER LXVII. The Close of Esther’s Narrative